Klonopin (Clonazepam) Overdose | Dangers, Risk Factors, Symptoms, & Treatment

Because this drug causes sedation, those who abuse Klonopin with other CNS depressants or take this medication in large quantities may experience a clonazepam overdose if the medication is taken improperly or abused in any way.

This brand name prescription drug is used to help treat symptoms such as panic attacks caused by anxiety disorders like panic disorder. In addition to this, Klonopin may also treat certain seizure disorders and epilepsy.

Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, a central nervous system (CNS) depressant sometimes referred to as a “benzo.” This benzodiazepine increases the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

Dangers Of A Klonopin Overdose

Although this medication can be prescribed for both short-term and long-term use, Klonopin has a potential for abuse. In fact, this prescription drug is a schedule IV controlled substance according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Because of this abuse potential, a Klonopin overdose can occur. There are a number of dangers associated with an overdose, including life-threatening side effects such as coma or death.

Klonopin Overdose Risk Factors

Those taking Klonopin should be advised that their risk of overdose may be greater if they participate in various forms of drug abuse or take large quantities of Klonopin.

Mixing Drugs With Klonopin

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), those who combine opioid medications with Klonopin may be more likely to experience an overdose due to the powerful effects of CNS depressant combination.

This is also why drinking alcohol should be avoided, as it also depresses the CNS. Adding more benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan), to your body while taking Klonopin can cause a fatal overdose.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a drug overdose can occur when multiple CNS depressants and sedatives are combined with Klonopin.

Other sedative medications that should be avoided while taking Klonopin include certain antidepressants, sleeping pills, and muscle relaxants.

Taking High Doses Of Clonazepam

Those who participate in benzodiazepine substance abuse can develop a Klonopin addiction. When this occurs, a person cannot stop taking the drug, regardless of the harmful consequences that may affect their body, home life, or work life.

Taking Klonopin as prescribed, especially for long-term use, can result in a person building up a tolerance to the drug. A person may experience a physical dependence to the drug which can lead to a drug addiction.

Those struggling with a Klonopin addiction may find other ways to abuse the drug which can unfortunately lead to a life-threatening overdose.

Types Of Klonopin Abuse

Klonopin, like many benzodiazepines, can be crushed and snorted. The pill can also be crushed, mixed with water, and injected into a vein. By abusing Klonopin in these ways, more intense effects can occur.

Those who abuse Klonopin by using these routes of administration increase their risk of a benzodiazepine overdose due to the fact that this type of drug abuse may cause higher amounts of the medication to be in your system than you realize.

Klonopin Overdose Symptoms

According to the DEA, some of the side effects of a Klonopin overdose may include:

• impaired coordination
• depression or suicidal thoughts
• extreme drowsiness
• decreased reflexes
• loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
• confusion
• respiratory depression or difficulty breathing
• coma
• overdose death

Klonopin Overdose

If you arrive at the emergency room due to a clonazepam overdose, medical professionals may use the medication flumazenil to treat you. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), flumazenil can help reverse the effects of a benzodiazepine overdose.

If the medication is successful, your healthcare provider may give you medical advice to assist you in finding addiction treatment.

Substance Abuse Treatment

Those who participate in Klonopin substance abuse may need to undergo the detoxification process. Detox allows your body to rid itself of unwanted toxins and can be the first step during treatment.

If you or a loved one are struggling with benzodiazepine misuse, consider contacting Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. We provide a number of treatment options such as outpatient programs, day treatment programs, and group therapy.